The Columbia Police Department, in cooperation with the Boone County Sheriff's Department, University of Missouri Police Department, Missouri State Highway Patrol and U.S. Marshals Service conducted a three day saturation effort (August 1-3) in the City of Columbia and surrounding area. The operation focused on geographic areas of the city and county where violent crime and criminals have been active or are known to frequent, based on call data and intelligence gathering efforts. Approximately 40 officers from different agencies participated in the event, as well as four K9 partners.

As a result of this effort officers conducted over 200 traffic stops, 60 check subjects, and made approximately 40 arrests. The arrests included traffic offenses, drug offenses, and multiple arrests on outstanding warrants for various charges ranging from burglary to robbery and assault. Some highlights include:

Domionte S. Cheatum, 20, of Columbia, was arrested during a traffic stop on an outstanding felony warrant from Jackson County, MO. Detectives had been working leads in the weeks prior concerning Cheatum's involvement in the murder of Anthony Unger on 6/23/13. Additional information obtained after Cheatum's arrest on the warrants led to probable cause for his arrest for 2nd degree murder by detectives.

Officers gathered intelligence during the saturation that led to the location and arrest of Chad L. Thomas, 23, of Columbia on a warrant for 1st degree burglary, 2nd degree assault and 2nd degree property damage. Thomas was located in Birmingham, AL and arrested by the U.S. Marshals Service.

Vincent J. Barney, 26, of Columbia was arrested on a warrant for 1st degree burglary. He was also arrested for the felony charges of distribution of drugs (marijuana) and resisting arrest.

Lynner Meeks, 27, of Chicago, IL, was arrested during a traffic stop for traffic offenses, distribution of drugs (heroin), and felony resisting arrest.

Elfontay D. Stevens, 20, of Columbia, was arrested for unlawful use of a weapon.

A search warrant for narcotics was served in northeast Columbia where evidence of cocaine distribution was discovered.

Intelligence was gathered from a traffic stop which led to the arrest of two suspects in Kingdom City, MO who were distributing methamphetamine from their hotel.

The Columbia Police Department would like to thank all the cooperating agencies for their assistance and commitment to the ongoing efforts by law enforcement to address violent crime and criminals in our community.

If anyone has any information about criminal activity, gang activity, or the location of wanted persons in Columbia/Boone County please contact the Columbia Police Department at (573) 874-7652, the Boone County Sheriff's Department at (573) 875-1111, or Crime Stoppers at (573) 875-TIPS to remain completely anonymous.